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A look at Volvo future products: New engines, architecture on the way

The next Volvo S80, due in 2015, could take styling cues from the Volvo You concept, shown.

Volvo wants to derive economies of scale from a new front-wheel-drive architecture called SPA, for Scalable Platform Architecture.

The redesigned XC90 crossover due in 2014 will be the first to use the architecture.

SPA was designed for a new family of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines that Volvo will begin using on existing models next fall. Eventually, the new four-cylinders will replace all of Volvo's current five- and six-cylinder engines.

Volvo is also considering whether to offer a gasoline hybrid on the XC60 or S60 in 2014 or to wait on new SPA-based new models.

The Swedish brand also wants to build cars in North America, possibly with a partner such as Fiat, and to share development costs on smaller cars. Volvo is owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

C30: A redesigned or re-engineered version of the hatchback is likely in the next few years.

S60: The S60 sedan will be freshened in 2013 and redesigned three or four years later.

XC60: The crossover will be redesigned in 2016 and share components with the new-generation S60 sedan.

XC70: The tall wagon may be replaced in 2015 or 2016, based on the redesigned S80.

S80: The large sedan will be replaced in 2015 and switch to Volvo's new platform architecture. It likely will take styling cues from the Volvo You concept.

XC90: The redesigned crossover debuts in 2014. It will be the first to use SPA. Design changes are expected, but the rounded shoulders that have been on most Volvo models since the 1990s will remain. Company executives have said the XC90 will have "more luxurious proportions."

Large flagship sedan: Volvo has shown concepts, including the Volvo You four-door fastback at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show. It is unclear whether a car based on that concept will be produced. Volvo executives say they don't want a vehicle to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-class or BMW 7 series.